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Press Association is offering two paid work placements to aspiring journalists from socially and ethnically diverse groups.

The scheme aims to provide help for people from minority ethnic and socially disadvantaged backgrounds to enter journalism.

Backed by the Journalism Diversity Fund, the 2016 application process follows the successful launch of the PA’s bursary scheme last year, which resulted in two trainee journalists winning places on its news and sports operations.

a place on the PA’s Diploma in Journalism course, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), with fees covered by the PA

a bursary to cover living expenses whilst studying in London

a two-year training placement either in the Press Association’s main newsroom or with the Sports team, on a full trainee salary.

The scheme will also offer the chance for the successful candidates to secure a permanent role at PA at the end of their training contract.

PA chief executive Clive Marshall said: "Talent is to be found in all of our communities and we want to nurture promising journalists who are keen to learn and are committed to the PA’s values of fast, fair and accurate journalism. Ultimately that will help our newsroom to better reflect the communities we cover by increasing diversity in our teams.”

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Olawale Kuponipe, Trainee Sports Journalist at the PA, and one of the successful applicants from 2015, said: “Without the PA’s scheme, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve learnt so many of the skills needed to become a successful journalist in today’s media environment. My proudest moment has been receiving my media accreditation to cover Premier League and Football League matches just five months into my traineeship. Having my hard work rewarded and knowing I’ve made a solid start in a career reporting live sports stories has given me a lot of confidence. I’d encourage anyone thinking of applying for the scheme to go ahead and do it.”